Arkansas law provides families of victims with options to pursue compensation through wrongful death claims involving drunk drivers. These legal steps are available to hold drunk drivers accountable and secure compensation even when immigration status complicates the process. Arkansas law offers clear avenues for pursuing compensation regardless of these factors, and it’s essential to act quickly to protect your family’s rights.
Understanding How Wrongful Death Laws Work in Arkansas
In Arkansas, wrongful death claims allow family members to seek compensation for the loss of a loved one caused by another person’s negligence. These claims provide financial relief for families facing medical bills, funeral expenses, and the emotional pain of losing someone. Even when the responsible party is facing criminal charges like DUI, wrongful death claims are civil cases and separate from the criminal proceedings.
In cases where the driver’s actions were particularly reckless, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, the family may be able to recover additional punitive damages, which are meant to punish the driver for their behavior. This is especially relevant in cases like the recent accident, where the driver’s intoxication played a central role in the fatal crash. Filing a wrongful death claim can help cover the extensive costs involved and provide some sense of justice for the family.
Immigration Status Does Not Prevent Families from Seeking Compensation
Families may pursue wrongful death claims, even when the vehicle driver responsible for the accident faces issues with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It is important to contact an Arkansas attorney to discuss how to pursue a wrongful death or personal injury claim. Arkansas law does not allow a person’s immigration status to interfere with the personal injury process.
Whether the driver is a U.S. citizen, undocumented, or facing deportation, their immigration status does not shield them from being held accountable for their actions. If you have lost a family member to a drunk driving accident involving immigration issues, you still have the right to pursue compensation. Arkansas courts will focus on the driver’s negligence and your family’s damages.
Compensation Available in Arkansas Wrongful Death Cases
When a family loses a loved one due to someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, like drunk driving, Arkansas law provides for compensation to ease the financial burden. Wrongful death claims can offer compensation for:
- Medical expenses. If the victim received any medical care prior to passing away, these costs can be recovered in a wrongful death claim.
- Funeral and burial costs. Losing a family member is emotionally overwhelming, but the financial burden of funeral expenses adds additional stress. A wrongful death claim can cover these costs.
- Loss of financial support. If the victim was a primary wage earner, families can recover compensation for the loss of future earnings. This helps ensure the family’s financial stability in the future.
- Emotional pain and suffering. Arkansas law allows for compensation to cover the emotional impact of losing a loved one. This includes the loss of companionship, guidance, and support.
These types of compensation aim to provide families with the resources to recover financially and emotionally from their loss.
Moving Forward After a Drunk Driving Tragedy
Losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident is a traumatic and life-changing event. While no amount of compensation can replace the loss, holding the responsible party accountable provides a sense of justice and financial relief for families during a challenging time. If your family is facing this kind of tragedy, don’t hesitate to seek legal help to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve under Arkansas law.
Has Your Family Been Impacted by a DUI Accident in Arkansas?
If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a DUI accident, the Law Office of Jason Hatfield is here to help you understand your rights and hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions. At our firm, we take pride in providing accident victims and their loved ones with a voice while aggressively pursuing the compensation they need to ensure they are not left paying for another’s negligence. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 479-361-3575. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.